(Tulsa, Okla) – Tulsa – The Grand River Dam Authority Board of Directors has selected State Representative Dan Sullivan (R) to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer/Director of Investments for the state-owned utility. The board offered the position to Sullivan following a special board meeting, held in Tulsa on Thursday (October 13).
Sullivan was born in Tulsa and graduated from Wagoner High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern State University in 1985 and his Jurist Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1988. He has represented Oklahoma House District 71 since his 2004 election. He has also served as majority floor leader during his time in the legislature.
Sullivan will replace former GRDA CEO Kevin Easley, who announced his resignation last April and resigned in August, after serving with the Authority since March 2004.
“The board feels like its done its due diligence and conducted a thorough search for the right person to lead this organization that benefits so many Oklahomans,” said GRDA Director Brent LaGere, who led the board’s search committee. “In my opinion, Mr. Sullivan is a person with leadership skills, intelligence and integrity who possess a good work ethic.”
Sullivan was chosen after an extensive search for the position which drew nearly 85 applicants. He will officially assume his GRDA duties on December 1.
Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is a non-appropriated state agency, is funded by revenues from the sale of electricity and water. GRDA generates, transmits and sells electricity to Oklahoma municipalities, electric cooperatives and industrial customers, as well as off-system customers across a four-state region.
Sullivan, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement on his new position:
“I have been humbled and honored to represent the voters of District 71 these past seven years. We have accomplished so much together in our effort to improve Oklahoma ‘s business climate, most notably this year’s historic reforms to our lawsuit and workers’ compensation systems. I’m so proud of what we have done. Moving forward, I am excited for this new challenge and new opportunity with the GRDA and will always fondly remember the pleasure I have had serving in our Legislature.” – Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa
House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, today issued the following statement on Sullivan’s new position:
“The positive impact Floor Leader Sullivan has had on our Legislature and state is immeasurable. He is an extremely talented, effective public servant whose legal background and expertise are natural fits for GRDA. I know he will serve the mission of the organization well and continue to do great things for Oklahoma . I wish him all the best as he makes this transition and thank him for his wonderful contributions to our state.”
GRDA is the wholesale power supplier for the City of Cushing, The City of Stillwater, Stroud and Pawnee. The current chairman of the GRDA board is Cushing City Manage Steve Spears.
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